Around the League: 2023-24 Season

[76ciology]

Tillman's presence allows the Celtics to adopt a five-man out lineup with the second unit, similar to their starting 5, featuring Al-Tillman at the 4 and 5 positions.

The Celtics struggle against the Nuggets due to their length, enabling them to switch effectively from positions 1 to 5. Jamal Murray and KCP can provide solid defense against the Celtics' wing players.

Furthermore, with Jokic on the court, the Celtics are compelled to deviate from their preferred five-man unit and utilize an Al-KP frontcourt. Although the Celtics have introduced a new dimension to their game by targeting opposing guards and allowing their bigs to attack them, the Nuggets boast sufficient length at the 3, 4, and 5 positions to offer effective help defense.

[76ciology]

The Celtics stuck with their favorite five-man unit, featuring Tatum and KP at the 4 and 5 positions, with Jrue defending Jokic. This setup allows the Celtics to deploy multiple lengthy wing defenders to provide help. However, this is where the value of a finisher around the rim, like Aaron Gordon, becomes evident. If the Celtics send help, Gordon is prepared to receive the pass or crash the boards and finish around the rim.

[76ciology]

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[Jailblazers7]

I just see how anyone beats Jokic in a 7 game series, the guy is undeniable at this point. Only thing stopping Denver is injuries imo.

[Stanford]

I honestly think we'd beat Denver at full health. As long as we had HCA.

[Jailblazers7]

I honestly think we'd beat Denver at full health. As long as we had HCA.

Yeah, we’re in a tough spot where we match up good with Denver but poorly with Boston. If we ever made it to the finals, I think we’d win it.

[GoSixersBro]

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Why is this jaw dropping? Jokic does this almost nightly with Gordon.

[Stanford]

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Why is this jaw dropping? Jokic does this almost nightly with Gordon.

Kevin O'Connor is a dork.

[GoSixersBro]

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Why is this jaw dropping? Jokic does this almost nightly with Gordon.

Kevin O'Connor is a dork.

I don't even watch the Nuggets but know this is run of the mill for their offense. There was a whole highlight mix of this play from this season alone.

[Jailblazers7]

KOC is the Walmart Zach Lowe. I feel like Simmons wanted to will another Zach Lowe into existence at The Ringer & now we’re all stuck with him.

[76ciology]

RJ Barrett

As a Knick (26 games):
18.2ppg
4.3rpg
2.4apg
42 FG%
33 3P%

As a Raptor (26 games):
20.6ppg
6.2rpg
3.6apg
56 FG%
42 3P%

[76ciology]

The Boston Celtics against the Top 4 seeds in the West: 2-5

Against everyone else: 46-9

[76ciology]

https://theathletic.com/5328211/2024/03/09/timberwolves-rudy-gobert-referees-betting/

[M2J]

RJ Barrett

As a Knick (26 games):
18.2ppg
4.3rpg
2.4apg
42 FG%
33 3P%

As a Raptor (26 games):
20.6ppg
6.2rpg
3.6apg
56 FG%
42 3P%

It was a trade Knicks needed to make, but Masai seriously killed in that move. Created one of the most talented young cores in the league

[Negrodamus]

Didn’t realize how much DLO has taken off offensively since the ASG. Would have fit incredibly well here on the offensive side, but we’d still struggle on backcourt defense. Kinda funny that many still consider him a bust.

[76ciology]

Poorest Corner 3P%

1. Ausar: 23.1%—65 FGA
2. Washington: 23.9%—71
3. Konchar: 25.5%—51
4. J. Johnson: 26.9%—52
5. J. Walker: 27.3%—55
6. Westbrook: 28.1%—64
7. IQ: 28.6%—77
8. Bey: 29.1%—175 (wow)
9. Okogie: 29.3%—58
9. Keldon: 29.3%—99
11. Camara: 30.2%—63
12. Rozier: 30.4%—102

[Jailblazers7]

https://theathletic.com/5328211/2024/03/09/timberwolves-rudy-gobert-referees-betting/

Lmao I’m sure that will help him get a more generous whistle moving forward

[76ciology]

If the Suns were to switch and force the Celtics into lots of one-on-one situations, they would have a really good chance of beating them again because the Suns have the firepower to win the one-on-one game.

[76ciology]

This game KD just hunted Al and Tatum/Jaylen Brown hunted Beal, it shows how teams try to exploit matchups.

Nowadays, defenses switch a lot, so scoring often depends on the match-ups hunted by both teams and how the teams would capitalize on them.

If a player struggles in a one-on-one matchup, their team can help them out or focus on stopping other players. For us, Biid struggled against Al, and it got to a point when Tatum hunted Embiid. Additionally, if Biid proves difficult to contain, opposing defenses can send help, shifting the focus to containing other players. In Game 6, the Celtics effectively relied on Melton and Tucker to capitalize on defensive adjustments.

Considering the Nuggets, Jokic’s proficiency in making 60% of his floaters poses a challenge for opposing defenses. Sending help defense may not significantly limit his effectiveness, as players like Aaron Gordon can capitalize on lob passes or drop-offs. Leading to only three players on the Nuggets heavily rely on three-point shooting, indicating a lesser degree of variance in offensive production.

[Negrodamus]

Mathurin out sucks for the Pacers. He’s one of their most playoff effective guys in that he’s able to generate offense without being spoon fed by Haliburton.